The Cardinals thought highly enough of Brown that they dispatched a scout to tie up the small-school star's phone line, King writes, as the No. 91 selection neared.

"Funny how these things work," Keim said. "We're so excited. Bruce is pumped. But of course, you pick a receiver from Pittsburg State and the fans say, 'What the heck are they doing? Who is John Brown?' Now look at it -- John Brown's the talk of the town."